Cold Iron

Cold iron is a rare and mysterious substance known for its unique properties that make it a bane to magical creatures and practitioners of the arcane arts. Magical creatures, including spellcasters, are known for their aversion to cold iron. The material is notoriously difficult to find, and to work with, but once forged forms a formidable weapon against their kind. Legends and lore abound regarding the origins and crafting of cold iron, and its very name evokes a sense of dread among magical beings.

Cold iron is said to be a naturally occurring material, but the exact details of its formation are incredibly rare and hitherto unknown. It is believed that the metal is forged deep below the earth under highly unusual conditions, where elemental forces clash, and arcane energies merge. Some legends even suggest that cold iron is the crystallized essence of anti-magic itself, drawn from the raw fabric of the universe.

Obtaining cold iron is a herculean task. It is found in only the most remote and perilous of locations, often deep within labyrinthine cave systems or within the heart of ancient mountains. Crafting cold iron is equally challenging. It requires not only great skill but also an innate understanding of its unique properties. Blacksmiths who specialize in forging cold iron must undergo arduous training, including learning secret techniques passed down through generations. The metal's finicky nature makes it resistant to typical forging methods; it must be kept at an exceptionally low temperature during the entire process to retain its anti-magical qualities.

When subjected to temperatures above a certain threshold, cold iron gradually loses its magical-disrupting properties. This weakness makes it unsuitable for use in many mundane applications, as well as vulnerable to enemies who understand its nature. Some legends tell of magical creatures who seek out and destroy caches of cold iron, using potent spells to melt it down, rendering it harmless.

Due to its rarity and efficacy against the arcane, cold iron is highly coveted by those who hunt magical creatures or wish to protect themselves from arcane threats. Weapons forged from cold iron are not only highly effective against fey, demons, and spellcasters but also sought after as powerful tools for countering their magic.

Cold Iron Features

All creatures with spellcasting abilities have the Cold Iron Allergy feat.


Cold Iron Allergy. You have developed an acute sensitivity to cold iron. When you are struck by a weapon crafted of cold iron, you suffer additional consequences: You take an extra 1d4 necrotic damage for each hit made with a cold iron weapon.
Specially crafted cold iron weapons have additional effects when used against creatures susceptible to cold iron.


Cold Iron Weapons. When a weapon crafted of cold iron attacks a creature with a cold iron allergy, add +1 to attack and damage rolls made with the weapon.